The Cornetto Trilogy: Ranked from Worst to Best

Edgar Wright is a genius. On top of that, so are Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Their films are pain inducing hilarity for everyone that watches them. Above all, they’re critically acclaimed pieces of work that everyone needs to experience. So, in traditional fashion, I thought I’d list them, from worst to best. There are only three films in total so it wont take too long. Well, I hope not anyways.

What you’ll notice about the three films is that they were all critically and commercially successful. There’s a reason for this. That being the films are good.

3. The World’s End

Pictured from left to right, Nick Frost, Simon Pegg and Paddy Considine starring in the final film of The Cornetto Trilogy. – The Worlds End – 2013.

iMDB: 7/10.Rotten Tomatoes: 89%Roger Ebert: 3.5/4

Honestly, it’s such a shame that the trilogy ended on more or less a dud. When compared to Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, it really pales in comparison. Hell, even compare it to the film that should be apart of The Cornetto Trilogy, Paul. That’s something that has only just clicked for me if I’m honest. What if Paul was the final of the trilogy? It’d certainly go out on a high note, that film was pretty good, definitely better than The World’s End.

In no way is this film bad. Standing on its own and not comparing it to its predecessors, it’s a damned good film. Hilarity ensues as usual, but not to the same extent as Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz. The film has its moments, but its a lot of buildup for only one or two really humorous punchlines.

2. Shaun of the Dead

iMDB: 8/10Rotten Tomatoes: 92%Roger Ebert: 3/4

This is going to be considered controversial. Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of this film and putting it at the number two spot pains me. But I feel it just didn’t have that same flair and energy to it that Hot Fuzz did. I would happily let this film be my top of 2004, beating out Dodgeball, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Kill Bill: Volume 2. If it can beat all of those, then why isn’t it number one?

Most likely, it’s down to personal opinion. Although this was the first of The Cornetto Trilogy it was the second one for me to experience. I remember watching this for the very first time, accidentally stumbling onto it in the early hours of a Saturday night on ITV 2. That is a time I will remember fondly, because it introduced me to a phenomenal comedy. But, it came weeks, if not months after I had experienced the funniest comedy of all time.

Honourable Mention: Paul.

iMDB: 7/10Rotten Tomatoes: 71%Roger Ebert: 2.5/4

Yes, I know it’s not apart of The Cornetto Trilogy. Nor does it relate to that series in any way other than the two main leads. I also understand this film is not directed by Edgar Wright. However, beyond all of that, it still deserves to be on this list in one form or another.

Previously, I mentioned Paul and stated that this would have been the perfect alien related film to end the trilogy on. It was not to be however. The film itself received fairly favourable reviews, not as well received as the actual trilogy itself, but a faithfully good film nonetheless. Although an American film, it still holds on dearly to the British charm seen in the other three entries. Think of this as a little extra for when you watch the trilogy itself. It’s a bit like having three cakes, and someone gives you a fourth, but it’s smaller and American.

1. Hot Fuzz

Nick Frost (left) and Simon Pegg (right.) featured in arguably the best of The Cornetto Trilogy. – Hot Fuzz – 2007.

iMDB: 7.9/10Rotten Tomatoes: 91%Roger Ebert: N/A (Did not review.)

By reviews alone, Hot Fuzz pales in comparison to the merits of the other three films featured on this list. A no-show from Roger Ebert and reviews that were below the average of Shaun of the Dead. For me personally though, Hot Fuzzis comedy. It defines and defies everything I love about the genre as a whole and in my eyes truly cannot be faulted.

I don’t call myself a comedy aficionado, maybe I should, but take it from me, this film is funny. You’ll bawl with laughter many times over, each further viewing more enjoyable than the last. You begin to pick up on the little details. It’s a film that needs to be watched several times over before you can have a truly informative discussion about.

There is no comedy on par with the four listed above, but Hot Fuzz, without a hesitant doubt, is by far the greatest comedy film to ever grace the genre. It’s on par with personal gems like Guest House Paradiso, Robots and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ Much Smarter Brother. That’s why it’s so good. It’s personally appealing.